The coach pulled to a stop then rocked as the driver climbed down. Edward leaned forward and released the catch of the handle for the coachman. The door opened and the steps lowered. He climbed down, and then she moved to the door. Instead of offering his hand, he took her by the waist and brought her down beside him. When he did, the shawl fell from her shoulders to hang at the bend of her arms, which revealed the front of her dress and gave him a good view of her breasts.
He stared at the luscious sight before him, simultaneously noting the movement of his driver as he raised the steps and closed the door. Edward did not wish for Gabriella's exposure to be seen, nor did he want to cover her up. The coachman climbed to his perch and, with a snap of the reins, moved the coach towards the back of the mansion.
Once Edward was assured they were alone, he stared back down at her, saying, "That dress needs to go back to the dressmaker. She neglected to add material to the bodice."
His bold opinion agreed with hers, but they had just begun to court and this topic was most inappropriate. "I should go home and change my gown. I tried to wear a fichu, but Mother would not allow it."
"I see I will need to speak with your father on this subject."
"You dare to speak to him on such a topic? He will know where your eyes were drawn. This is the latest French design and my mother would not be happy to learn you disapprove. I shall wear my wrap."
As bold as brass, he grabbed the top of her gown and tried to hike it up. The result wiggled her breasts and embarrassed him. She had stood perfectly still without saying a word. Very slowly he removed his fingers from inside her bodice feeling how incredibly soft and supple she was as he did so. Her face turned as bright as a red rose.
"I do beg your pardon. I forget myself."
She swallowed trying to recover her voice. "I tried that as well, but was warned the gown would tear." His eyes automatically returned to her breasts. "Do not worry, it fits securely. May I borrow your decorative handkerchief?" He pulled the gray satin from his suit pocket and handed it to her. She worked with the fold, turned her back to him, and began stuffing it inside her bodice. When she turned back, the grey silk looked to be part of the dress.
"Very clever, my dear." His eyes lingered a bit longer before he realized what he did. The moment his eyes rose to her face, he caught her giggling. The little chit was laughing at him. He considered kissing her until that giggle began a moan. Instead, he ignored his desire. "Should we wait for your parents?"
"Did you fail to see the look on my father's face as we left? They will be late."
"How should I respond to such a statement, minx? Come along, we should go inside." He offered his arm and they strolled towards the house.
Before they reached the front door she asked, "When did you move to London?"
"Three years ago."
"Father told me that you own a shipping line. You've traveled the world, haven't you?"
"A good portion of it," he said while noticing the excitement in her eyes.
"I have often dreamed of such sights. Perhaps you could share stories of your adventures with me. Is it wonderful?"
He recognized her hunger for adventure. "It can be, but crossing the seas can be tedious enough to yearn for land. You are used to the activities of country life. I imagine you seldom grow listless of the day to day activities."
"That's true. I love to ride and enjoy the outdoors, but when the weather keeps me indoors, I enjoy other sport or find a book and read. I must warn you, I'm considered a bluestocking." When he only grinned, she continued, "I enjoy Gothic novels and most of the works of William Shakespeare, but I also enjoy reading Aristotle and Utopian Literature. Do you have time for such entertainment?"
The idea of her reading such material gave them more in common. He would have to show her his resident library. "Sea travel affords plenty of time for reading. On board the Aurora I have a good selection of books. But unlike a passenger ship, merchant ships have many ports, which gives us something to look forward to."
She imagined him leaving for long periods of time and hated the idea of being left behind to wait for his return. "You talk as if you continue to sail the seas looking for trade."
They approached the stoop to the front door and stopped to finish their conversation. "I no longer need to travel. My partner would rather sail than stay on land for long. He was just asking me to join him, but I turned him down for my aunt's birthday... where we met."
She reached up and laid her hand over his heart. "I am pleased you did." She dropped her hand and with eyes showing her worry, asked, "But when you did go, did these trips take you away for long?"
"Trade with America could take months if you make various port stops." As soon as he said it, he saw the disappointment. "There is no need for concern. I have no intentions of leaving for such a long trip anymore." Not unless we travel together.
"Am I that easily read?" When he took her chin and nodded, she admitted, "I am sure the other young ladies inside would never think of telling you their every thought."
"I would be offended if you felt you could not be honest with me, especially, when it concerns us." He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "Are you ready to go inside?"
With her nod, they stepped to the door and a Footman swung it open. Inside, Edward removed her shawl and handed the wrap to a maid. They greeted the host and then he guided her to the dancers, where he pulled her into his arms and began a waltz. As they glided around the room, he searched for both his aunt and sister. When he finally spotted his aunt, she was sitting by the wall near a potted palm speaking with her friends. He found no sign of his sister, so he decided to approach his aunt first. He swirled Gabriella in that direction. When the music ended, he escorted her to meet Aunt Herriot.
Herriot Darby watched as her nephew approached with an enchanting young woman on his arm. He had a new spark in his golden eyes too. The way his other hand laid across hers was a sign of possession. Herriot stood to greet him with a kiss on his cheek and then turned her attention to the smiling angel patiently waiting for an introduction.
"Aunt, may I present Miss Gabriella Barrington, daughter of Baron Staffordshire? Gabriella, my paternal aunt: Lady Herriot Darby, Marchioness of Berkshire."
Gabriella presented her prettiest curtsy. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Milady. I would like to thank you personally for the invitation to your birthday celebration. Edward informed me you are to thank for our introduction."
Herriot recognized the chit as the one who had danced with her nephew on the balcony. She also noticed the girl addressed him as Edward, not Grey. "I am glad you were able to attend the festivities." She looked at her nephew with a twinkle in her eyes. "I fail to remember your introduction, as Edward arrived late."
His eyebrow cocked up with suspicion. "I arranged the introduction with her father that evening." Smiling with pleasure, he kissed Gabriella's hand. "I heard her laughter and was drawn to meet her." He forced his attention back to his aunt. "If you are free, I would like to introduce you to her parents when they arrive."
Her eyes widened with surprise looking from one to the other, knowing he must have escorted her. He had just met the chit and he was acting as if they were already engaged. What did he know about her? She quickly agreed. "It would be my pleasure, Edward."
"Has Pauline arrived? I wish for Gabriella to meet her." He turned his head to search the crowd once more.
"I believe I saw her rushing towards the convenience room. She should stay home where she belongs," Herriot said in a scolding tone.
Gabriella worriedly asked, "Is she alone?"
Herriot's eyes rounded with the concern she heard in Gabriella's voice. "I am not sure, but perhaps you could check on her? Do you know what she looks like?"
"Yes. I've seen her with Edward." She squeezed his hand, saying, "I'll be right back."
They watched her slip through the crowd until she disappeared. Aunt Darby replied, "She is quite lovely, Edward. She also calls you by your given name."
His eyes turned serious. "I insisted. Do nothing to discourage her, aunt. In time, you will discover how rare she is. I am learning she is an original as well as irreplaceable." Her reaction to his warning satisfied him. She would not dare misstep. "I was hoping Albert and Duane would come tonight. I am anxious to introduce them to her."
"I do not expect them to attend the ball." She studied his face and carefully stated, "I have encouraged you to choose some young lady and court her. I am quite surprised to see it has finally happened and so quickly. I urge you to be cautious. You know nothing about her."
A boyish grin sprang across his lips. "You speak as if I have never courted a woman before."
Exasperated, she replied, "Not seriously and you know it. I am under the impression this is leading to something more. Is she a prospect for marriage, Grey, or has she just intrigued you temporarily?"
"As to marriage, your question is premature. Though, I will admit I am drawn to her more than any other woman I have courted and my affection for her grows steadily. A bond between us is already building."